Support group established for LGBTI people with intellectual disability

A new group will be established to provide social support for LGBTI people in Melbourne with an intellectual disability.

Plans are underway to establish a social group in Melbourne that will work to support LGBTI people with an intellectual disability.

The group was created by Central Bayside Community Health Services and will provide a space for its members to form a supportive social network.

Group organiser Peter Spyker said it’s important for sexuality and gender diverse people with an intellectual disability to have a network of friends with similar experiences.

“I believe it’s important for people with an intellectual disability to have their own group,” he told the Star Observer.

“For many people with an intellectual disability, it can be very challenging accessing events and activities in the broader community.

“Together, as a group, LGBTI people with an intellectual disability can develop a network of friends and support each other to access events, venues, and activities, like going out to a gay nightclub or bar, or going out in general.”

A recent study by Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria (GLHV) found that 23 per cent of LGBT people are living with a disability in Australia, and report high levels of distress and anxiety.